and inclusion of women in efforts to resolve the current crisis in Ukraine, particularly in the
eastern regions. Their more active inclusion in such activities is viewed by many as critical to
the success of possible steps to secure good governance, respect for human rights and the rule
of law. Advocacy is necessary at all levels to ensure the inclusion of women into any effective
efforts at national reconciliation and dialogue.
116. One gap raised in particular in Donetsk, is the inclusion of Women’s NGOs in the
Donetsk region so that they are more connected both geographically, e.g. with NGOs in Kyiv
– the HRMMU has facilitated this connection. In Donetsk itself, the HRMMU has included a
representative of the women's NGO coalition in regular NGO meetings it has initiated with
members of the civil society in Donetsk to discuss human rights.
VI.
PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES IN CRIMEA
117. In line with UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262, adopted on 27 March 2014,
entitled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”, the HRMMU monitors the human rights situation in
the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. On 28 April, a law, adopted by Parliament on 15 April
“On guaranteeing citizens' rights and freedoms and legal regime in the temporarily occupied
territory of Ukraine” entered into force (hereafter “Law on Occupied Territory”). According to
the Law, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, the airspace above
them, domestic waters and territorial sea of Ukraine, including underwater space, are all
defined as a temporarily occupied territory. It foresees that the temporarily occupied territory
is an inalienable part of the soil of Ukraine where Ukrainian laws remain in effect. The Law
stipulates that the responsibility for the violations of human rights and the destruction of
cultural property lies with the Russian Federation as the occupying State according to the
norms and principles of international law.
118. The Ombudsman reported that since the unlawful “referendum” in the Autonomous
Republic of Crimea, the number of people seeking help has significantly increased. However,
as of 7 April, the regional office of the Ombudsman in Crimea was forced to stop working and
had to close, due to its eviction from its office and the overall obstruction faced by its staff in
their work. The representative of the Ombudsman Institution in Crimea continues to receive
information on Crimea through human rights defenders and NGOs. The HRMMU is
concerned about the gap in human rights protection as a result of the closure of the
Ombudsman regional representation.
A. Internally displaced persons from Crimea
119. UNHCR reports that as of 29 April there were 7,207 internally displaced persons
(IDPs) registered in all 24 regions of Ukraine. With no official centralised registration process,
there are concerns that this figure may not reflect the reality, with some IDPs not registering
with local authorities. Registration with a local authority is only required should people wish
to access state services, such as healthcare, or register for housing and employment. Most of
IDPs have settled in Kyiv (1968 persons) and Lviv region (1207 persons); 445 persons
registered in Poltava, 386 in Vinnytsya, 374 in Kharkiv, 300 in Dnipropetrovsk, 243 in IvanoFrankivsk, 196 in Chernivtsi. The majority of IDPs are Crimean Tatars; although there are
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